28589, Williston, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28589, Williston, North Carolina is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Alzheimer's Care in Eastern North Carolina: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 28589

Navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease requires specialized care, and the choice of a hospital can significantly impact the quality of life for patients and their families. This review focuses on hospitals near the 28589 ZIP code in Eastern North Carolina, assessing their capabilities in Alzheimer's care, including factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth offerings.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The 28589 ZIP code encompasses the town of Swansboro, a coastal community in Onslow County. The region's healthcare landscape is primarily served by a mix of community hospitals and larger regional medical centers. Access to specialized Alzheimer's care can vary, making informed decision-making crucial.

**Key Hospitals and Their Alzheimer's Care Profiles:**

**1. CarolinaEast Medical Center (New Bern, NC):**

Located approximately 30 miles northwest of Swansboro, CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern is a significant regional hospital. While not directly within the 28589 ZIP code, it serves a large population in the surrounding area and is a crucial healthcare provider. CarolinaEast has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall quality of care, patient experience, and safety. It's essential to understand that CMS star ratings are a general indicator and don't always fully capture the nuances of specialized care like Alzheimer's.

CarolinaEast's Emergency Department (ED) typically experiences wait times that can fluctuate. It's crucial to check current wait times on the hospital's website or through online tools like the "ER Wait Times" app before visiting. For Alzheimer's patients, minimizing wait times is especially important to reduce anxiety and potential agitation.

CarolinaEast doesn't have a dedicated Alzheimer's center, but it offers neurological services. Patients with suspected Alzheimer's can be referred to neurologists for diagnosis and management. The hospital provides access to diagnostic tools, including brain imaging. Telehealth services are available, potentially offering consultations with specialists and remote monitoring for patients in their homes. Specific telehealth offerings for Alzheimer's care should be verified directly with the hospital.

**2. Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC):**

Vidant Medical Center, located in Greenville, is a flagship hospital for the Vidant Health system and is approximately 60 miles northwest of Swansboro. It is a Level 1 Trauma Center and a major referral center for Eastern North Carolina. Vidant Medical Center has a 3-star CMS rating.

Vidant Medical Center's ED has variable wait times. Checking the hospital's website or using online resources is advisable before a visit.

Vidant offers more extensive neurological services than CarolinaEast. It houses a neurology department with specialists who diagnose and treat neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Vidant may have specialized programs or clinics focused on memory disorders, although specific details should be confirmed directly with the hospital. The hospital's resources include advanced imaging capabilities and access to clinical trials. Telehealth services are available, potentially offering remote consultations and monitoring options. Vidant's telehealth platform may include services tailored to Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers, but this should be verified.

**3. Onslow Memorial Hospital (Jacksonville, NC):**

Onslow Memorial Hospital, located in Jacksonville, is approximately 20 miles west of Swansboro. It serves a large population in Onslow County. Onslow Memorial has a 3-star CMS rating.

The ED at Onslow Memorial can have varying wait times. It's best to check the hospital's website or other online resources for real-time updates.

Onslow Memorial offers neurological services, including access to neurologists who can diagnose and manage Alzheimer's disease. The hospital provides diagnostic imaging and may offer support services for patients and families. Specific programs for Alzheimer's care may exist, and direct inquiries to the hospital are recommended. Telehealth services are available, potentially offering remote consultations and monitoring.

**4. Carteret Health Care (Morehead City, NC):**

Carteret Health Care is located in Morehead City, approximately 20 miles southeast of Swansboro. It serves Carteret County. Carteret Health Care has a 3-star CMS rating.

Carteret Health Care's ED wait times should be checked before visiting.

Carteret Health Care offers neurological services, including access to neurologists. The hospital provides diagnostic imaging and may have support services for patients and families. Specific programs for Alzheimer's care may exist, and direct inquiries to the hospital are recommended. Telehealth services are available, potentially offering remote consultations and monitoring.

**Assessing Alzheimer's Care Capabilities:**

When evaluating hospitals for Alzheimer's care, several factors are paramount:

* **Neurology Specialists:** Access to neurologists specializing in memory disorders is critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
* **Diagnostic Tools:** Hospitals should have access to advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI and PET scans, to aid in diagnosis.
* **Support Services:** Look for hospitals that offer support groups, educational programs, and resources for patients and caregivers.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services can be invaluable for remote consultations, monitoring, and medication management, especially for patients in rural areas.
* **Caregiver Support:** The availability of respite care, counseling, and educational resources for caregivers is essential.

**Beyond the Hospitals: Additional Considerations:**

* **Memory Care Clinics:** Explore the availability of specialized memory care clinics in the region. These clinics often provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, treatment plans, and support services.
* **Home Health Agencies:** Home health agencies can provide in-home care and support for Alzheimer's patients, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life.
* **Assisted Living Facilities:** Investigate assisted living facilities with specialized memory care units. These facilities offer a safe and supportive environment for individuals with Alzheimer's.
* **Support Groups:** Connect with local Alzheimer's support groups for emotional support, information sharing, and networking with other caregivers.

**Telehealth in Alzheimer's Care:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, and its role in Alzheimer's care is growing. Telehealth can provide:

* **Remote Consultations:** Patients can consult with neurologists and other specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel.
* **Medication Management:** Telehealth platforms can facilitate medication refills and monitoring of side effects.
* **Caregiver Support:** Telehealth can provide access to support groups, educational programs, and counseling for caregivers.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Telehealth devices can monitor patients' vital signs and activity levels, allowing for early detection of potential problems.

**ER Wait Times and Their Significance:**

ER wait times can be a significant concern for Alzheimer's patients. Long wait times can increase anxiety, agitation, and confusion. It's crucial to check current wait times before visiting the ER and to inform the staff about the patient's condition.

**Conclusion:**

The hospitals near the 28589 ZIP code offer varying levels of Alzheimer's care. CarolinaEast Medical Center, Vidant Medical Center, Onslow Memorial Hospital, and Carteret Health Care all provide essential services. Vidant Medical Center, being a larger regional center, may offer more specialized resources. It is essential to contact each hospital directly to inquire about their specific Alzheimer's programs, services, and telehealth offerings. Patients and their families should also explore memory care clinics, home health agencies, assisted living facilities, and support groups to create a comprehensive care plan. The best approach involves careful research, direct inquiries, and a collaborative effort between healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers.